I just came back from an amazing road trip from Washoe Valley, Nevada, to Madison, Wisconsin. The states I drove through matched the story of my life. Nevada was safe and forgiving, similar to the youth I experienced with loving parents, small-town friends and a Catholic …
I love writing my Aging Monday-Wednesday-Friday blog. Some of the posts come quickly to me. Other times, I can dab around for hours and still stay unsatisfied with the result. I only pass on to my editor, Jenni, those that I feel are worthy to send out to you. She edits them …
Life is a tough grind for an older guy. There’s lots to not think about. Jobs not to start. I earn no coffee breaks. I have a bunch of answers, but no one’s asking the questions. I still take my briefcase out to my car. It just sits there all day like a lonely, brown puppy. …
I’m Nigel J. Wiggins, the alpha dog of my pack and protector for Don and Sherry. It’s been a tough job lately. After all, I’m no longer a young pup. I’m a mature canine on my way to retirement. Today, a well-organized group of enemies invaded the front yard. They all showed …
I’ve been talking out loud to old friends and relatives who died years ago. Often, I do this when I’m out for a walk or driving in my car. My mom and dad get their share of my questions. They both died in 1999. As usual, my mom speaks up immediately and has all the …
I’ve never been a sound sleeper. For many years, I figured most bright people stayed awake thinking about stuff that had just happened or things that may be coming their way tomorrow. What a shock to learn that hours of continuous, deep sleep are actually considered healthy. …
Life is formed as we make an endless number of choices every day. Some choices are recognized for being huge in the moment, like deciding to marry a specific person or taking a job in a city far away. Other choices are much more subtle and may even go unnoticed in the …
All over the place, I see signs that read, “We’re hiring.” Often, a signing bonus is offered for anyone who accepts a position. At the same time, I’ve noticed many small businesses needing to reduce their hours or even close for a day or two because of an employee shortage. …
I’m on the free-throw line with five seconds to go in the big game against Saint Patrick’s. Saint Cecilia’s eighth grade team trails by a single point. It’s all up to me. I look up at the stands, where there are at least a dozen fans rooting me on. I spot my mother, …
If you want a practice run on your level of patience, I advise you to make a quick dash from Midway Airport in Chicago to Boiling Springs, Pennsylvania. I did so this weekend, thinking my 647-mile trip would provide an enjoyable 10 hours of bringing back the memories of my …
